Lewis Moody: English Rugby Legend and His Fight Against ALS

Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The news was shared on Monday, marking a difficult moment for the rugby world.

A Brilliant Career

Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after a distinguished 16-year career. During his career, he represented the Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions, winning almost all available trophies and participating in some of the sport’s most important matches.

Who is Lewis Moody?

Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He studied at Oakham, a prestigious rugby school, and then joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.

In 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old, he became the youngest player to represent the Leicester Tigers in the league, a record currently held by Ben Youngs. He played 217 matches for the club, the most for a flanker, before spending his last two years at Bath. He debuted for England in 2001 against Canada and was an integral part of the World Cup-winning team in 2003. In addition, he represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Achievements and Titles

During his time at Leicester, Moody won seven Premiership titles, including four consecutive ones between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. In addition, he was part of the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.

With England, he won 71 matches, including two Six Nations titles, and the Grand Slam in 2003. He participated in all seven matches of the 2003 World Cup, and was named MBE in 2004. In 2007, he played in the World Cup final and finished his career as England captain in the 2011 World Cup.

Gameplay Style

Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment, Moody was a brave and relentless flanker. His passion for the game was unmatched, even playing with a stress fracture in his leg. He never backed down from any challenge.

After retiring in March 2012, Moody founded the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that supports research, support, and education on brain tumors.

What is Motor Neuron Disease?

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes progressive muscle weakness. There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms. Initial symptoms include weakness in hands and legs, and can progress to breathing and swallowing problems.

The MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. The most common form is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Other types include progressive bulbar palsy (PBP), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).

Statements by Lewis Moody

I am writing to share some difficult news. I was recently diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease.

Lewis Moody

In his statements, Moody expressed that he feels good and is focused on staying positive and living life. He intends to continue supporting the foundation he created.